A recent report from the Israeli Health Ministry has raised concerns about the alarming number of deaths caused by preventable bacterial infections in hospitals. The report reveals that approximately 7,600 individuals lost their lives between 2018 and 2019 due to exposure to bacteria in healthcare facilities. Of these deaths, around 25% occurred within 30 days of exposure, while the remaining deaths occurred within a year. It is estimated that between 4,000 and 6,000 people die annually in Israel as a result of hospital-acquired infections.
Bacteremia, a serious invasive infection that often leads to septicemia (a condition characterized by the presence of bacteria in the blood), accounts for approximately 30% of all deaths caused by infections in hospitals. These infections are considered preventable, and the Health Ministry is urging hospital administrators to take immediate action to reduce their prevalence.
Professor Yehuda Carmeli, Director of the Health Ministry’s National Center for Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Resistance, emphasizes the need for deliberate measures to prevent bacteremia cases in hospital settings. Despite a 50% reduction in incidence, the rates of bacteremia in intensive care units remain significantly higher in Israel compared to other countries, including the United States.
Carmeli’s letter to hospital administrators serves as a warning that action must be taken to minimize mortality rates associated with hospital-acquired bacteremia. By implementing effective infection prevention strategies, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by these infections.
Overall, these findings highlight the urgent need for proactive efforts to prevent hospital-acquired bacterial infections. Hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must work together to implement robust infection control protocols and practices to safeguard patient health and prevent unnecessary deaths.
Source: https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/society/1691422984-7-600-people-died-in-israel-from-preventable-bacterial-infections-in-past-2-years